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Business InsiderDec 29, 2022
Dutch Farmer Protests: Police Fire Shots at Tractor
Image copyright: ANP/DPA/Picture Alliance [via DW News]
The Facts
On Tues. evening, Dutch police reportedly fired shots at farmers in tractors protesting against a government proposal to cut nitrogen emissions. Three protesters were also arrested.
Several days of protests have seen demonstrators block supermarkets, distribution centers and roads, and descend on parliament buildings, bringing Amsterdam and other cities to a standstill. Though initially largely peaceful, there have been recent reports of violence by both the protesters and police.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Dutch farmers are exercising their right to protest a hardline proposal that unfairly targets their industry and threatens their livelihood. Officers' heavy-handed approach to peaceful demonstrators is an affront to democracy.
Pro-establishment narrative
Officers were responding to a threatening situation. The right to protest has its limits, and these are reached when demonstrations turn violent and impede public safety. Drastic measures are needed to improve the nation's air, land, and water quality. Farmers will, unfortunately, have to adapt.